Sormeh Art Psychotherapy - Art Psychotherapy

Art Psychotherapy in simple words

Art psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making to explore and communicate thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Art therapists support people in expressing and making sense of emotions that may feel distressing, confusing or difficult to put into words.

Art psychotherapy combines art-making, reflection and a supportive therapeutic relationship. You can talk, create art, or use both - no artistic experience is needed.

A range of art materials is available to help you explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express in words. I treat your artwork confidentially, store it securely, and return it or manage it according to our agreement at the end of therapy.

Guided Drawing and body-focused art psychotherapy

Drawing on an understanding of how trauma can affect both mind and body, my approach recognises the importance of working not only with thoughts and emotions, but also with physical sensations and the body's responses to distress.

Guided Drawing, developed by Cornelia Elbrecht, is a body-focused, sensory approach that may be particularly helpful for people experiencing trauma, anxiety, emotional overwhelm or a sense of disconnection from their bodies.

Using simple, repetitive drawing movements, often with both hands, the process encourages you to notice physical sensations and explore what your body needs to feel more comfortable, settled and safe. The focus is not on creating artwork or interpreting images, but on the experience of movement and sensation.

Trauma and prolonged stress can affect the nervous system, sometimes leaving us feeling constantly on alert, overwhelmed or disconnected. Guided Drawing offers a gentle way to explore these responses, support emotional regulation and gradually develop a greater sense of bodily awareness, safety and control.

Who do I work with

Children aged 9-16
Adolescents and young people
Adults
Older adults
LGBTQIA+ individuals
Neurodivergent individuals
Schools and educational settings
Organisations and community groups

Young People

I welcome enquiries directly from parents and carers, as well as referrals from schools and other professionals. Parents or carers may be involved in the initial assessment and review process, depending on the young person's age and individual needs.

Confidentiality and consent will be discussed clearly before therapy begins. Sessions remain private unless there are concerns about the child or young person’s safety or wellbeing. Wherever possible, I will discuss the need to share information with them first.

What can I help with

You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to seek support.

I offer support with a wide range of emotional and mental health experiences, including:

Emotional wellbeing
Anxiety, depression, low mood, stress, overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem and confidence.

Trauma and loss
Trauma, PTSD, bereavement, loss and other difficult life experiences.

Neurodiversity and identity
ADHD, autism, neurodiversity and exploring aspects of identity and belonging.

Complex mental health needs
Bipolar disorder, personality difficulties, psychosis, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and periods of significant emotional distress.

Recovery and adjustment
Support following a mental health crisis, hospitalisation or a period of major change.

How therapy works

1. Initial enquiry
Contact me briefly to tell me what kind of support you are looking for.

2. Free initial consultation
I offer a free 20-minute initial consultation. This gives us an opportunity to discuss your needs, consider how art psychotherapy may help and decide whether working together feels right.

3. Beginning therapy
If we agree that therapy is suitable, we will arrange regular sessions and discuss confidentiality, fees, cancellations and our therapeutic agreement.

4. Regular sessions
Sessions usually last 50 minutes and take place weekly, either online or in person. Short- and long-term therapy is available depending on your individual needs.

During a session, you may use art materials, talk, or combine both. There is no expectation to make art, and no artistic experience is needed. Materials are provided for in-person sessions. For online sessions, you will need some basic art materials, and I can help you choose suitable options.

5. Reviews and ending
We will review the therapy periodically to ensure it continues to meet your needs. When the time feels right, we will agree on a thoughtful and planned ending.

Length of the Therapeutic Process

Therapy length depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Some people may benefit from shorter-term work, usually between 12 and 24 sessions, while others may find that longer-term therapy offers the time and continuity they need. We will review our work together regularly and discuss what feels most helpful for you.

Trauma, early relationships and deeply rooted emotional patterns can take time to explore safely. Longer-term therapy allows trust to develop gradually and provides space for grounding, reflection, emotional processing and integration. My psychodynamic, relational and trauma-informed approach offers a consistent and containing therapeutic relationship in which this work can unfold at your own pace.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

Your privacy is important, and sessions are confidential. Information will only be shared without your consent when there is a serious concern about your safety, another person’s safety, or a safeguarding responsibility.

When therapy has been arranged through a school or another professional, we will agree in advance what information may be shared. Session content and artwork will remain private unless there is a safeguarding concern.

Clinical records and artwork are stored securely and confidentially. Further information about confidentiality, safeguarding and data storage will be explained before therapy begins and included in the therapeutic agreement.

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